KUCHING: The development project for the Gedong Circuit is currently in the land zoning stage and is expected to require at least another two years before it can be fully realised.

Member of the Senate and President of the Sarawak Motorsports Association (SMA), Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim, stated that the current process still involves land surveying by the Land and Survey Department (JTS) to determine the overall development zone of the area before any specific circuit planning can commence.

According to him, the development of the Gedong area is not focused solely on the circuit, but rather encompasses a complete ecosystem including the industrial sector, schools, stadiums, and other facilities.

"Once the zoning process is complete, I believe JTS, the Office of the Premier of Sarawak, or the Office of the Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, will call us to discuss the circuit planning, as it is the final phase.

"What needs to be done now is to zone the land parcels in the Gedong Isthmus area and gazette them. Only then will they call upon the parties who will develop the industries, schools, and other developments in that area.

"It will still take a long time, which, in my understanding, is at least another two years," he said when met by reporters after officiating the Torque of Borneo at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Community Hall on Saturday.

He suggested that the circuit and track design stage could be executed quickly once zoning is finalised, though they must wait to be called to discuss the matter.

Dato Ahmad Ibrahim added that within the next two months, he and the SMA will attempt to make an appointment with Dato Sri Abdul Karim and may hold a courtesy call with the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, to seek his views and direction.

Therefore, he urged the public to remain patient, as the development of this circuit involves various key industries that must be prioritised within an ecosystem that complements one another.

Commenting on the drift and drag tracks, Dato Ahmad Ibrahim mentioned that the development of drift and drag tracks in Balai Ringin is expected to be realised sooner than the Gedong Circuit project.

He explained that the project is currently in the planning stage, but positive developments are expected to be achieved by the end of this year.

"We are working on the drift and drag tracks in Balai Ringin, which are still in planning. That project is expected to happen faster than the Gedong Circuit; perhaps by the end of this year, we will have a decision.

"If the public wants a drag track, they can use the one in Balai Ringin, including for drift tracks, which we can slightly modify later," he said.

Regarding events at the Sarawak Stadium, he explained that they cannot be held there permanently yet due to the SEA Games, but they will work on something as a temporary solution.

He stated that drift and drag track facilities will be provided, but a full circuit cannot yet be initiated.-UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Translator: Sarah Nicole Hii
Photo by: Muhd Ramzani